Today’s Reading: Genesis 24:16-67, Psalm 143
When asked by Abraham to travel back to his homeland to find a wife for Isaac, Abraham’s servant did so with an unwavering, obedient heart. He gathered together everything he needed for the journey and then set out to do as he had been told.
DELAYED OBEDIENCE IS DISOBEDIENCE.
The servant responded not only in quick obedience to Abraham, but also to the God of Abraham. When he arrived at his destination, he took time to pray for success in carrying out the mission to which he had been called. The servant asked God for clarity and God answered his prayer. He asked that the woman God had chosen for Isaac would willingly give him a drink and also generously offer to water his ten camels as well.
Before he had finished praying, he saw a young woman named Rebekah coming out with her water jug on her shoulder…Rebekah was very beautiful and old enough to be married, but she was still a virgin. She went down to the spring, filled her jug, and came up again. Running over to her, the servant said, “Please give me a little drink of water from your jug.”
“Yes, my lord,” she answered, “have a drink.” And she quickly lowered her jug from her shoulder and gave him a drink. When she had given him a drink, she said, “I’ll draw water for your camels, too, until they have had enough to drink.” – Genesis 24:15-19
My study Bible says that ten thirsty camels could drink as much as 250 gallons of water. This generous offer showed Rebekah was hard-working and hospitable. And by remaining a virgin, Rebekah was also AVAILABLE for God’s plan for her life.
The servant waited patiently, watching God be God — taking in the moment when God was answering his prayer and making his journey successful. He then took time to praise God and to give honor to the God who had led him on this journey.
BECAUSE HE OBEYED WITHOUT DELAY WHEN GOD CALLED HIM, THIS SERVANT HAD A FRONT ROW SEAT TO SIMPLY WATCH GOD BE GOD.
The man bowed low and worshiped the Lord. “Praise the Lord, the God of my master, Abraham,” he said. The Lord has shown unfailing love and faithfulness to my master, for he has led me straight to my master’s relatives.” – Genesis 24:26-27
Rebekah’s family wanted her to wait 10 days before leaving but the servant did not want to delay the completion of his mission. Rebekah recognized the hand of God on her life and willingly went with the servant right away, rather than taking the time to say goodbye to her family as was traditionally allowed.
DELAYED OBEDIENCE IS DISOBEDIENCE.
Now Isaac had come from Beer Lahai Roi, for he was living in the Negev. He went out to the field one evening to meditate, and as he looked up, he saw camels approaching. Rebekah also looked up and saw Isaac. She got down from her camel and asked the servant, “Who is that man in the field coming to meet us?”
“He is my master,” the servant answered. So she took her veil and covered herself. — Genesis 24:62-65
It was while spending time alone in God’s presence that Isaac looked up and saw Rebekah. I love how our faithful God speaks to us and moves in our lives during our quiet times with Him. I believe there was no doubt in Isaac’s mind and no wavering of Rebekah’s heart that God had chosen to join them together for His purpose and His plan.
Lord, we pause and wait patiently for you. We take time this morning to pray and to praise. We are willing to be used by you today. Lord, prepare and equip us to accomplish your will. Give us wisdom to know where to strategically position ourselves and how to pray specifically. Speak to us and give us an unwavering, obedient heart for you. We love you and we praise you for unfailing love and faithfulness towards us each day. You are the God who provides and we look forward to watching you simply be God today. Lord, we echo the words of the psalmist this morning as we cry out to be heard. Helps us to trust in your unfailing love and walk the path you lay out before us.
Hear my prayer, O Lord;
listen to my plea!
Answer me because you are faithful and righteous. – Psalm 143:1
I lift my hands to you in prayer.
I thirst for you as parched land thirsts for rain. – Psalm 143:6
Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning,
for I am trusting you.
Show me where to walk,
for I give myself to you. – Psalm 143:8
Teach me to do your will, for you are my God.
May your gracious Spirit lead me forward on a firm footing. — Psalm 143:10